Technical Spare Wheel hoist mechanism

[justgotacatflap]

Hi

I got a puncture yesterday and had to use the 'emergency' spare wheel. I managed to lower it ok, and lifted the wheel off its holding claw, and then hoist it (holding claw back) into position while I drove around and had the tyre changed.

On replacing the 'emergency' wheel, the hoist got half way up and then the adjustment bolt (situated in the boot) just turned (without friction) and no more activity was seen from the wheel, i.e. it was suspended about two inches below its normal, stowed position.

Fortunately, I was in a position to remove the wheel from the claw and put it in the boot. What I'm interested in knowing is: has anyone had to replace one of these hoist mechanisms, and if so, what sort of job was it? As far as I can see, it just sits on the underside of the boot and is held in place by three bolts, although the chap at the spares department says there are four bolts!

I have a quote for the part from Fiat in Huddersfield for about £130 plus vat, so if I have to pay for replacement too, it could be an expensive little item.

TIA

Patrick

 

[chr1s]

Just to check the obvious first - was the wheel the correct way up when you tried to hoist it up ?

When I had a puncture and used the emergency spare, I initially tried to put it back the wrong way up and found that it only fits one way round.

 

[justgotacatflap]

Yes, it's well knackered


I got the old one off, it is four bolts and it isn't difficult to do. All I have to do now is spend a lot of money for a small amount of metal!